John Warren

Program Contact Information

Individuals interested in the program or requiring more information should contact the program director:

Dr. John Warren, Director
Graduate Program in Dental Public Health

N-337 Dental Science Building

The University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA  52242

(319) 335-7205

john-warren@uiowa.edu

Master of Science Program in Dental Public Health

Program Description

The Master of Science program in Dental Public Health is a two-year program that includes formal coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, health care policy and management, environmental health and behavioral sciences, as well as a field experience component.  The program requires completion of a minimum of 40 semester hours of academic credit, as well as completion of a thesis based on original research.  The program also requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination after completing the first year of the program.  The program is designed be completed in about 22 months (e.g., begin July 1, 2022 and graduate in early May, 2024), but most students require an additional summer session to complete the thesis, so that typical time to complete the program is 25 months.  . 

The academic program starts in late June (rather than in the fall).  In consultation with the graduate program director, students will develop a plan of study, which includes a set of required courses and appropriate electives.  This course of study fulfills the requirements set forth by the Commission on Dental Accreditation for certification as a dental public health specialist by the American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH).  Thus, upon completion of our program, graduates are educationally qualified to take the ABDPH exam and become board-certified in Dental Public Health. 

Requirements

Applicants should have a dental degree from a U.S. dental school or international equivalent; however, there is no requirement for a Master of Public Health (MPH) or other degree prior to enrollment, as components of the MPH are included as part of the program.  Thus, there is no need to complete a separate residency after completing the program in order to become board-eligible.  The program only offers the MS degree; there is no certificate only option.  There is, however, an opportunity to pursue a Dental Public Health track within the PhD degree program in Oral Sciences that includes the training necessary to become ABDPH certified.   Dental hygienists with baccalaureate degrees are also eligible to be enrolled in the program, although they are not eligible to be certified as Dental Public Health specialists.  

Application Procedures

All applicants must have taken either the GRE or DAT examination.  International applicants must have also taken the TOEFL (or IELTS) examinations and apply by November 1 of the year prior to the intended start of the program.  U.S./Canadian applicants should take the GRE or DAT and apply by March 1, but we encourage these applicants to apply earlier, if possible. 

Applications are made online to the Graduate College at the University of Iowa - https://grad.admissions.uiowa.edu/apply.  Applicants should specify “Dental Public Health” as their area of study.  

Application and Enrollment Timetable

Applicants selected as finalists will be invited for an in-person or telephone interview that typically occurs in December or January, followed by admission decisions soon thereafter.  Orientation is typically the last week of June, with the program starting on July 1.

Dental Public Heath Specialty and Program Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Curriculum

Master of Science Program in Dental Public Health Alumni